Millburn Chiropractor Among Pair Honored by Essex County

Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. recently honored Dr. Stacy L. Brodsky of Millburn and former state Attorney General David Samson with Star of Essex Awards for their influence and positive impact Jewish people have had, and continue to have, on the economy and culture of Essex County at Jewish Heritage Celebration at ceremonies in Newark Tuesday, May 7.

The ceremonies, which took place at the Essex County Hall of Records, honored Brodsky for her work on the Essex County Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Advisory Board, a 13-member advisory board that was formed in December 2010 to provide a voice for this population about issues of concern to lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgendered people.

Brodsky has also served as a board member for Garden State Equality and was involved with the GLSEN Northern NJ, Jewish Vocational Service of MetroWest and the Unauthorized Practice of Law Board.

“David Samson and Dr. Stacy L. Brodsky have both enjoyed tremendous personal success in their respective careers,” DiVincenzo said. “Their commitment to improving the lives of all residents, their leadership, and dedication to public service is to be commended,” he added.

“I want to thank the County Executive for granting me this award,” Brodsky said. “I strive to give back to the community through my practice and through my service on the Essex County LGBTQ Advisory Board,” she added, saying, “Thank you for giving me a seat at the table as a Jew and as a lesbian. I truly look forward to working with you, ‘Putting Essex County First’,” she added.

Samson, who currently serves as chairman of the board of commissioners of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, said “I want to thank the County Executive for this recognition today,” said Samson. “Growing up, I recognized that there were many different cultures represented in my high school and on sports teams, but it wasn’t until I attended college that I realized there were some cultural differences among us.”

He added he “want(ed) to thank the County Executive for pointing out these differences, recognizing and respecting them, and honoring them for their contributions to our community.”

The Essex County Jewish Heritage Celebration is part of a yearlong series of programs initiated by DiVincenzo to recognize and celebrate the diversity of Essex County. Other cultural celebrations celebrate African American Heritage, Irish Heritage, Italian Heritage, Jewish Heritage, Latino Heritage and Portuguese Heritage.